Good functional outcomes expected after shoulder arthroplasty irrespective of body mass index

This study evaluated how body mass index (BMI) factors into functional outcomes and complications after shoulder arthroplasty.

A retrospective analysis was performed of age-matched patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, range of motion (ROM), and complications were assessed. Forty-nine patients were classified into the following groups: normal (BMI <24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²), class I obese (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2), class II obese (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²), and class III morbid obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m²).

A total of 245 patients (134 women, 111 men; average age, 64 ± 8 years) were evaluated at an average follow-up of 48 ± 18 months. TSA was performed in 122 patients (50%), RTSA was performed in 103 (42%), and HA was performed in 20 (8%). No significant difference was found among the 5 BMI groups in arthroplasty type (P = .108) or in complications, including reoperations (P = .27). All groups had significant postoperative improvements in PROs and ROM (P < .001 for both). There were no significant differences among the BMI groups in postoperative ROM or PROs.

This study demonstrates that patients undergoing TSA, RTSA, and HA can expect good functional outcomes, with improvements in pain, function and outcome scores, irrespective of BMI.